Fairgrounds

DAYTON–Changes were made to the use agreement for the equine facilities at the Columbia County Fairgrounds and stall rentals by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) at the first monthly evening meeting since the Coronavirus closure mandates in Washington State.

Changes include the use of the facilities by minors without supervision for which an additional waiver would have to be signed stating that parents allow their minor to attend their horses without a parent or guardian.

The previous agreement included a waiver within the contract covering the county for liability. The new agreement includes a separate, more precise waiver of county responsibility.

Each stall renter gets a half stall for their tack regardless of the number of stalls that are rented. The BOCC discussed allowing horse trailers onsite to store additional tack for those that need it.

“We are looking at terms of indemnifying the county, trying to make it useful, keeping the kids engaged in agriculture,” Commissioner Charles Amerein said.

One-time use was also accepted by the commissioners as long as a waiver is filled out prior to use, otherwise the occupant will be considered a trespasser. The county stipulated it will not be held liable for missed protocols.

The BOCC rejected the inquiry of subleasing stalls because there is a waiting list for such openings. They stated that the agreement for use can only be with the county and not with other individuals.

Once the new agreement has been is finalized, a 30-day notice will go out to all current monthly renters to either sign the new agreement or vacate.

Public comments may be submitted to the County Commissioners Office for consideration within the next few weeks.